Contractor Linked to Likud Accused of Polluting Drinking Water in Illegal Sewage Disposal Scheme

Asher Milul, a prominent sewage contractor and member of the Likud central committee, is under scrutiny for allegedly using a hazardous and illegal method to dispose of sewage sludge. Milul, who recently hosted a lavish wedding attended by senior Likud figures including ministers Miri Regev and Eli Cohen, operates in several major Israeli cities through his company Harel Yossi. His contracts, worth about 2 million shekels annually each, cover sewage maintenance in municipalities such as Raanana, Petah Tikva, Ramat Gan, Bnei Brak, and others.

Investigations reveal that instead of transporting sewage to authorized treatment plants, Milul’s trucks allegedly dump raw sewage into a large pit on leased industrial land in northern Rishon Lezion. The sludge is then mixed with clean sand and burned to mask odors, creating a dangerous sludge that is spread across various urban and agricultural sites, including residential neighborhoods and orchards. Environmental experts warn this practice poses serious health risks and contaminates soil and groundwater with heavy metals and hydrocarbons at levels far exceeding legal limits.

Legal actions have been ongoing for over two years, involving Milul, the Rishon Lezion municipality, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection, yet no enforcement has occurred. Critics highlight suspicious tender conditions favoring Milul, such as requirements for specific trucks and proximity to municipal offices, which limit competition. Milul’s political connections within Likud, including close ties to ministers and lawmakers, raise concerns about potential influence over contract awards and regulatory oversight.

Milul denies wrongdoing, claiming his company complies with all regulations and that the footage showing pollution is misleading or unrelated to his operations. The Ministry of Environmental Protection states it has no record of complaints regarding the issue. Water corporations involved assert that tenders were conducted transparently and according to law. Meanwhile, environmental groups and legal experts call for stricter enforcement and investigation into the alleged pollution and tender irregularities.

This case highlights ongoing challenges in balancing political influence, public health, and environmental protection in Israel’s municipal services sector. Further legal proceedings and regulatory reviews are expected to follow as public pressure mounts.